A free kick is a method of restarting play in a game of soccer after a foul has been committed. The team awarded the free kick can take a direct shot at the goal or pass the ball to a teammate. There are two types of free kicks: direct and indirect. A direct free kick allows a player to score directly, while an indirect free kick requires the ball to touch another player before a goal can be scored. The location of the free kick depends on where the foul occurred. If the foul happens within the penalty area, a penalty kick is awarded instead. Free kicks are an important part of soccer strategy, as they can create scoring opportunities and change the momentum of the game.